The UpSpace project continues to move forward, shifting from planning and development into testing, coordination, and preparation for real implementation in schools.
In recent months, partners have focused on validating the developed educational materials, strengthening collaboration within the consortium, and engaging with key stakeholders across Europe. These activities mark an important transition: from designing solutions to preparing them for practical use in classrooms and communities.
Stakeholder roundtable · Germany · Sep 2025
01What we’ve achieved
International training and pre-piloting of the curricula
One of the key milestones of this period was the international training and pre-piloting event held in Thessaloniki, Greece, from 30 September to 2 October 2025.
During this three-day event, partners and teachers tested the Future-Oriented Curricula for both students and teachers. The sessions covered key sustainability topics, including climate change, circular economy, biodiversity, waste, carbon footprint, and governance.
Participants worked with the materials in a practical setting, simulating real classroom use. This allowed the consortium to assess the quality, relevance, and usability of the content before the piloting phase. Feedback was highly positive, highlighting the value of interactive methods, hands-on activities, and the exchange of experiences across countries.
At the same time, the pre-piloting process helped identify areas for improvement — including the need for earlier access to materials, stronger technical readiness, and clearer guidance for implementation. These insights were used to refine both the curricula and the e-learning platform.
02Connecting education and policy
Consultations across Europe
🇮🇹 Italy🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇷 Greece🇷🇸 Serbia
Another major achievement of this period was the implementation of consultations with decision-makers and stakeholders in Italy, Germany, Greece, and Serbia. Through interviews and roundtables, the project engaged 78 stakeholders — exceeding the initial target. Participants included policy-makers, educators, environmental experts, and representatives of civil society.
78
Stakeholders Engaged
4
Partner Countries
3
Days of Training
GreeceGermanySerbiaItaly
A strong common message emerged across all countries: sustainability education should become a structural part of school life, supported by clear frameworks, teacher training, and practical approaches.
Stakeholders emphasized the importance of experiential learning — school gardens, recycling initiatives, biodiversity projects, and community-based actions. At the same time, they identified key challenges: limited time in curricula, lack of funding, and insufficient institutional support. These findings have been translated into a set of recommendations aimed at strengthening the role of schools in promoting sustainability and supporting long-term educational change.
The project is now entering the piloting phase. In the coming months, the UpSpace curricula will be tested in partner schools across Europe. Teachers and students will work directly with the materials, providing feedback that will support further refinement.
The e-learning platform will be finalised and improved
Dissemination activities will continue across all four partner countries
Cooperation with stakeholders and communities will be further strengthened
These steps will ensure that the project results are practical, relevant, and sustainable in the long term.
Follow the UpSpace journey
UpSpace continues to grow through collaboration, testing, and shared learning. By connecting schools, communities, and decision-makers, the project contributes to building green skills and promoting sustainability across Europe. Stay tuned for the next phase as UpSpace brings its results into classrooms and supports meaningful change in education.
